Digital transformation leader ANS intensifies its mission to ready UK businesses for an AI-powered future, following a year of remarkable accomplishments and strategic advancements, including 7% revenue growth in 2024.
Key appointments
Central to ANS’s strategy are pivotal senior appointments to bolster the senior team’s laser focus on AI. Kyle Hill has been elevated to Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Chris Huntingford has been appointed as Director of AI. Hill, a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for Business Applications, will bring his extensive technical expertise to his new role. Huntingford, who has been instrumental in driving innovation for organisations, will spearhead AI initiatives.
Strategic partnerships and accolades
ANS’s collaboration with AI industry titan Microsoft has been instrumental. In 2024, ANS was honoured as Microsoft UK Services Partner of the Year. The company also received several awards this year including the Prolific North Large Tech Company of the Year and Greater Manchester Tech Business of Year, recognising ANS’s instrumental role in the tech landscape in the North.
ANS forged several key partnerships this year including advancing to the Microsoft Copilot Jumpstart Initiative ‘Ready’ status. This enables ANS to expand its offering with workshops in cooperation with Microsoft and gives greater access to customer funding, empowering customers to drive greater innovation and productivity as well as build their own Copilots.
Additionally, ANS has recently announced its Azure VMware Solution specialisation, which will support customers in migrating from on-premise to the public cloud. This specialisation will enable ANS to allow its customer to make the decision and what cloud infrastructure is best for them and their data needs, with the support of ANS.
ANS was also named as part of the prestigious Microsoft Inner Circle for Business Applications for the eighth year in a row. This accolade highlights ANS’s consistent excellence in delivering customer success through Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform solutions.
Further strengthening its capabilities, ANS was accepted into the exclusive Microsoft Dynamics FastTrack Portfolio Partner programme for its Dynamics 365 CRM portfolio. As one of only 32 partners in EMEA, this status grants ANS direct access to Microsoft architects and resources, enabling faster, more confident project delivery and ensuring its customers benefit from best practices and early access to new features.
Making tech accessible to all
ANS’s commitment to the UK’s AI readiness goes beyond just businesses, as it strives to make technology accessible to all – including the community. Initiatives in 2024 included reducing energy company Calisen’s carbon footprint and supporting charities like Facial Palsy UK through AI-driven solutions. The ANS team, based in Hulme, Manchester, dedicated 116 volunteering days in 2024 and raised over £100,000 for charitable causes for its key charity partners including Power House, HideOut Youth Zone, Manchester Youth Zone and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
In 2024, the company celebrated the 10th anniversary of its OFSTED-accredited apprenticeship programme, the ANS Academy. The programme was recognised in the HR Excellence Awards 2024 and won the Channel Champion Awards for HR People and Culture and Apprenticeship Champions. The esteemed Academy, along with external outreach efforts, reaches 12,000 young people annually, fostering the next generation of tech talent.
Richard Thompson, CEO at ANS, commented: “Our growth this year in the AI readiness space has been phenomenal. We are committed to maintaining this momentum in 2025 and are focused on preparing UK businesses for AI-driven innovation. Businesses that fail to stay curious about AI capabilities risk falling behind. So, we must make sure organisations of all sizes can access AI and maximise its benefits in an ever-changing landscape.”
Kyle Hill, CTO, added, “It’s an exciting time to be part of the tech movement at ANS that is bringing companies and the community alike onboard for AI-driven transformation. We’re already making significant strides at ANS by aligning technology and processes with customer needs. As we enter a new year, I’ve no doubt that we’ll go even further turning future visions into reality and revolutionising business operations for our customers.”
As ANS continues its strategic mission into 2025, it remains dedicated to its pursuit of preparing UK businesses for AI-driven innovation, ensuring they remain competitive and forward-thinking.
